Smith and Bosman rush South Africa to victory

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 2 (Reuters) Opening batsmen Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman today helped South Africa storm to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Twenty/20 international.

Pakistan were defending a score of 129 for eight but bowled and fielded appallingly as South Africa needed just 11.3 overs to score 132 without loss.

Captain Smith blazed his way to 71 not out off just 40 balls, while partner Bosman cruised to 53 not out in 32 deliveries.

Smith struck four sixes in his innings, as well as nine fours, more boundaries than the entire Pakistan team managed, while Bosman hit five fours and two sixes.

Earlier, Alfonso Thomas took three wickets on his first appearance for South Africa as Pakistan wilted after being sent in to bat.

Thomas grabbed a wicket with his first delivery, having Imran Nazir caught behind for five, and finished with three for 25 in his four overs.

A thundershower about an hour before play did not delay the start, but there was a 20-minute interruption when the rain returned midway through Pakistan's innings.

Kamran Akmal (21) and Mohammad Hafeez (25) seemed to be building a big score when they added 47 for the second wicket off 37 balls, but South Africa picked up wickets at regular intervals.

Wicketkeeper AB de Villiers took three catches to equal the Twenty/20 record held by South African-born England batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Reuters SBA VP0115